Methods and apparatus for laundering with aqueous and non-aqueous working fluid

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for laundering including the steps of adding a wash liquor including an aqueous working fluid to a fabric load, processing the fabric load with the wash liquor to treat the fabric load, measuring the concentration of at least one non-aqueous fluid in the wash liquor, maintaining the concentration of the non-aqueous fluid below a predetermined acceptable level, and disposing of the wash liquor are disclosed as well as novel fluid plumbing for a laundering device using wash liquors including non-aqueous fluids.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to the following applications ofoverlapping inventorship and common ownership hereof and filed the sameday as this application: “A Multifunctioning Machine and MethodUtilizing a Two Phase Non-Aqueous Extraction Process” our docket number20040138, “Methods and Apparatus to Accelerate the Drying of AqueousWorking Fluids” our docket number 20050054, “A Method For A Semi-AqueousWash Process And A Recovery Method Employing The Same” our docket number20050156, and “A Method For Fluid Recovery In A Semi-Aqueous WashProcess”.

The present application is also related to the following applications,the specifications and drawings of which we incorporated by reference:application Ser. No. 10/957,484, “Method And Apparatus Adapted ForRecovery And Reuse Of Select Rinse Fluid In A Non-Aqueous WashApparatus” filed Oct. 01, 2004; Ser. No. 10/957,485 “A Fabric LaunderingApparatus Adapted For Using A Select Rinse Fluid, filed Oct. 01, 2004;Ser. No. 10/956,707 “A Method For Laundering Fabric With A Non-AqueousWorking Fluid Using A Select Rinse Fluid, filed Oct. 01, 2004; Ser. No.10/957,555 “Fabric Laundering Using A Select Rinse Fluid And WashFluids, filed Oct. 01, 2004; Ser. No. 10/957,451 “Non-Aqueous WashingApparatus And Method, filed Oct. 01, 2004, Ser. No. 10/957,486“Non-Aqueous Washing Apparatus And Method, filed Oct. 01, 2004; And Ser.No. 10/957,487 “Non-Aqueous Washing Machine And Methods”, filed Oct. 01,2004, our docket Number 20050157.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to method and apparati for laundering fabric wherethe wash step can be comprised of either an aqueous, non-aqueous, orcombination working fluid and the extraction and drying steps can beaqueous or non-aqueous as well.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a program of events, ingredients,controls, and sensors that make it possible to produce a launderingmachine that is self-contained, automatic, and relatively compact. Itcan be used in the home, lightly in industry as well as commercially,and is capable of utilizing a complete aqueous cycle, a semi-aqueouscycle, or a non-aqueous cycle. Additionally, the present inventiondescribes a method of drying fabric that contains water and a soil. Themachine offers the consumer the ability not only to launder theirtraditional fabrics (cotton, polyesters, etc.) At home, but also havethe ability to handle delicate fabrics such as dry-clean only fabrics,nano-coated fabrics, and fabrics that contain electronics as well.

Water, as a cleaning solvent itself, has many benefits as well asdisadvantages. Water is useful as a cleaning agent for many soilsespecially hydrophilic soils and provides excellent solubilitycharacteristics with conventional detergent formulations. However, wateris responsible for damage (shrinkage and wrinkling) to many of thetraditional garments laundered at home. Additionally, water is verypolar causing it to hydrogen bond readily, has a high heat capacity, anda low vapor pressure making it difficult to remove from fabric withoutadding a lot of energy either in terms of heat or centrifugation.

On the contrary to aqueous-based cleaning, there have been numerousattempts at making a non-aqueous laundering system; however, there havebeen many limitations associated with such attempts. Traditionaldry-cleaning solvents such as perchloroethylene are not feasible forin-home applications because they suffer from the disadvantage of havingperceived environmental and health risks. Fluorinated solvents such ashydrofluoroethers have been proposed as potential solvents for such anapplication. These solvents are environmentally friendly, have highvapor pressures leading to fast drying times, and provide some level ofcleaning, but have some limitations with hydrophilic stain removal.

other solvents have been listed as potential fluids for such anapplication. Siloxane-based materials, glycol ethers, andhydrocarbon-based solvents all have been investigated. Typically, thesesolvents are combustible fluids but the art teaches some level of soilremoval. However, since these solvents are combustible and usually havelow vapor pressures, it would be difficult to dry with traditionalconvection heating systems. The solvents have low vapor pressures makingevaporation slow; thus increasing the drying time needed for suchsystems. Currently, the national fire protection association has productcodes associated for flammable solvents. These safety codes limit thepotential heat such solvents could see or the infrastructure needed tooperate the machine. In traditional washer/dryer combination machines,the capacity or load size is limited based on the drying rate. However,with the present invention, the capacity of the machines will be moredependent upon the size of the drum than the size of the load.

The present invention uses some of these aforementioned solvents toclean fabrics without the drying problems associated with thesesolvents. This is accomplished by using a non-flammable, non-aqueousworking fluid that solves many of these drying problems. This systemincorporates a process wherein water or other polar solvents could beused as cleaning fluids and traditional means for removing the aqueoussolvent from the fabric such as convection based drying methods could beutilized. This present invention also allows for a non-aqueous dryingmeans for these aqueous cleaning solvents. Additionally aqueous andnon-aqueous solvents can be combined giving the consumer thesemi-aqueous option of cleaning with an aqueous solvent for superiorhydrophilic soil removal, cleaning with a non-aqueous fluid for superiorhydrophobic soil removal, and then drying with one or more non-aqueousfluids to provide reasonable drying/cycle times. Further the consumercan select a complete non-aqueous cycle wherein a non-aqueous fluidcleans the fabric and the same or an additional non-aqueous fluid isused for drying.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,498,266 describes a method using petroleum-based solventvapors wherein perfluorocarbon vapors are admixed with petroleum solventvapors to remove the solvents from the fabrics and provide improvementsin safety by reducing the likelihood of ignition or explosion of thevapors. However, the long-term stability of these mixtures is unknownbut has the potential of separating due to dissociating the separatecomponents.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,045,588 describes a method for washing, drying andrecovering using an inert working fluid. Additionally, this applicationteaches the use of liquid extraction with an inert working fluid alongwith washing and drying.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,558,432 describes the use of a pressurized fluid solventsuch as carbon dioxide to avoid the drying issues. In accordance withthese methods, pressures of about 500 to 1000 psi are required. Theseconditions would result in larger machines than need be for such anoperation. Additionally, this is an immersion process that may requiremore than one rinse so additional storage capacity is needed.

U.S. patent publication number 20030084588 describes the use of a highvapor pressure, above 3-mm hg, co-solvent that is subjected tolipophilic fluid containing fabric articles. While a high vapor pressuresolvent may be preferred in such a system, us 20030084588 fails todisclose potential methods of applying the fluid, when the fluid shouldbe used, methods minimizing the amount of fluid needed as well aspotential use of aqueous fluids as well.

Various perfluorocarbons materials have been employed alone or incombination with cleaning additives for washing printed circuit boardsand other electrical substrates, as described for example in U.S. Pat.No 5,503,681. Spray cleaning of rigid substrates is very different fromlaundering soft fabric loads. Moreover, cleaning of electricalsubstrates is performed in high technology manufacturing facilitiesemploying a multi-stage that is not readily adaptable to such a cleaningapplication.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,888,250 describes a biodegradable ether solvent whichmay be used as a dry cleaning solvent or as a solvent for completingnon-aqueous cleaning in the home.

U.S. patent publication number 20030046963 is a patent applicationdisclosing a machine that can be preprogrammed to use a selective amountof water for laundering fabrics.

WO 0194675 describes the use of an apparatus capable of aqueous andnon-aqueous methods for laundering. This application fails to teach anyembodiments in which these methods can be easily practiced.Additionally, the solvent choices readily identified by thisapplication, decamethylcyclopentasiloxane and water, are readilyincompatible and for such a machine or method to work the apparatuswould need to be equipped with separate hosing or involve a clean-outcycle between runs utilizing a solvent or water. This applicationdiffers from the present invention in that the present inventiondescribes an additional semi-aqueous method plus describes methods indetail on how to minimize the cycle times for both aqueous andnon-aqueous-based cleaning fluids.

U.S. patent publication number 20030196277 describes figures wherein anapparatus is capable of completing both a solvent-based cleaning andwater washing process. This application fails to teach any embodimentswherein the aforementioned processes can be completed. The presentinvention not only discloses and teaches methods, chemistries, andapparatus wherein a non-aqueous and aqueous cleaning cycle are possible,but methods for minimizing solvent usage as well as processes forminimizing cycle time.

The disclosures and drawings of each of the above references areincorporated herein by reference.

An object of the present invention is to provide a complete sequence oflaundering wherein the system can utilize an aqueous process, asemi-aqueous process, or a non-aqueous process while drying quickly.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a specific processwherein an aqueous wash is followed by a non-aqueous rinse to improvethe cycle time by reducing the time needed to dry.

Another object of the invention is the provision of techniques andmethods for minimizing the amount of non-aqueous fluid needed and thetime that the non-aqueous fluid should be in contact with the fabricarticles.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a low energy dryingprocess that results in improved fabric care and shorter drying times.

Another object of the invention is the provision of recovery methods andtechniques for the semi-aqueous and non-aqueous systems described inthis invention.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a single apparatuswith multiple working fluid options including water wherein theapparatus is designed to complete either an aqueous, semi-aqueous, ornon-aqueous laundering methods, low temperature drying, and recoverymethods.

A further object of the invention is the provision of means forconcentrating and disposing of soils in an environmentally friendlymanner.

It is a further object that the materials used are all of a type thatavoids explosion and manages flammability hazards.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of meanswherein the drying always occurs in the presence of a non-flammablefluid rich environment.

It is still a further object of the present invention that the consumercan select an aqueous cleaning cycle and a non-aqueous fast dryingcycle.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of meanswhereby the consumer can select a non-aqueous fast drying cycle with atraditional hand/feel wherein moisture is added at the end of the cycle.

It is still a further object of the present invention to providespecific chemistries and materials that make the aqueous, semi-aqueous,and non-aqueous processes of the present invention possible.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent tothose skilled in the art to which this invention relates from thefollowing description of the drawings and preferred embodiments thatfollow.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus in which both anaqueous and non-aqueous solvent can be used separately or in combinationto launder fabrics in a manner which removes both aqueous soluble andoleophilic soluble soils. This invention also describes a singleapparatus that is capable of aqueous, semi-aqueous and non-aqueouslaundering processes and methods for ensuring that non-aqueous solventsare not disposed of down the drain in concentrations exceeding theacceptable thresholds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of wash, rinse, dry, andrecovery events that with materials described make possible a launderingmachine with an aqueous, semi-aqueous, and non-aqueous method.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a second embodiment of wash, rinse, dry, andrecovery events that with materials described make possible a launderingmachine with an aqueous, semi-aqueous, and non-aqueous method.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a third embodiment of wash, rinse, dry, andrecovery events that with materials described make possible a launderingmachine with an aqueous, semi-aqueous, and non-aqueous method.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a fourth embodiment of wash, rinse, dry, andrecovery events that with materials described make possible a launderingmachine with an aqueous, semi-aqueous, and non-aqueous method.

FIG. 5 depicts a flow diagram of a fifth embodiment of wash, rinse, dry,and recovery events that with materials described make possible alaundering machine with an aqueous, semi-aqueous, and non-aqueousmethod.

FIG. 6 depicts a flow diagram of a sixth embodiment of wash, rinse, dry,and recovery events that with material described make possible alaundering machine with an aqueous, semi-aqueous, and non-aqueousmethod.

FIG. 7 depicts a flow diagram for one embodiment of the recoveryprocess.

FIG. 8 depicts a flow diagram for one embodiment of the drying process.

FIG. 9 depicts a flow diagram for some of the cycles possible.

FIG. 10 represents potential recovery methods for a system containing anon-aqueous fluid in the absence of an aqueous working fluid.

FIG. 11 represents potential recovery methods for a system containing anaqueous working fluid for cleaning and non-aqueous working fluid fordrying.

FIG. 12 represents a plumbing system for such an apparatus capable ofhandling both aqueous and non-aqueous working fluids.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Modifications of the machine shown in u.s. patent application20040117919 has been used to test the efficacy of the washing andrecovery operations of the present invention and which are described inthe following specification are incorporated herein by reference.

patent application Ser. No. 10/956,707 describes a similar techniqueutilizing a select rinse fluid and is therefore, included herein forreference.

Figures in both the aforementioned cases (U.S. 20040117919 and Ser. No.10/956,707) show machines that can be used for techniques described inthis invention. In the instance for both an aqueous and non-aqueousworking fluid, it should be noted that the dispensers might be separatefor each classification of fluid, chambered separately within the samehousing, or be the same dispenser. The key features would be sensingtechnology that would recognize the differences that exist between theworking fluid's detergent formulation; thus indicating to the consumerthat the wrong detergent type has been entered.

One embodiment of the present invention could comprise a consumabledetergent composition comprising a surfactant capable of enhancing soilremoval benefits and additionally being dissolved in either aqueousand/or non-aqueous working fluid, an aqueous and/or non-aqueous fluid,optionally other cleaning adjuncts capable of enhancing soil removal.The aqueous fluid, non-aqueous fluids and cleaning adjuncts which couldbe utilized in such a consumable composition will be discussed later inthe specification. In addition, the constituents of the composition canbe compounded within the confines of the machine.

The heater should be controlled in such a way that it can be operatedregardless of the working fluid selected for operation. If the workingfluid selected has a flash point, the heater should regulate the systemto control the temperature to 30° f. below the flash point of theworking fluid if the concentration of the working fluid exceeds 0.25% ofits lower flammability limit or the oxygen concentration is greater than8%.

Other condensing methods not mentioned may be utilized for such aninvention. The condenser can be additionally selected from air to airheat exchangers, cold wire inserts, tube bank heat exchanger,cross-flow, counter flow, tube and shell, impinging jets, evaporativecooling, spray droplets, trickle beds, condensing spinning discs,cooling towers, thermoelectric or combinations thereof. The coolingmedium can be air, water, refrigerant, or the working fluid. Thecondenser should be designed to handle multiple fluids and separatemultiple fluids upon condensation.

FIGS. 1-6 illustrate various methods of washing and drying fabrics inaccordance with the present invention. In FIGS. 1-6, a first step inpracticing the present invention is the loading of the machine 200 orchamber. The consumer can select a complete aqueous cycle in step 202after or prior to the loading of the machine. The next step involves theaddition of the aqueous working fluid, 204. This working fluid may be apolar solvent as well. A polar solvent is a solvent or molecule with apermanent electric dipole moment as defined by atkins 5_(th) edition ofphysical chemistry. The permanent moment arises from the partial chargeson the atoms in the molecule that arise from differences inelectronegativity or other features of bonding. The term purposivelyadded water is meant to describe water added for the purpose ofcleaning, drying, extracting, etc. An example of non-purposively addedwater is water moisture that results from the humidity of theenvironment and that is naturally contained within a fabric article. Amethod of characterizing the aqueous working fluid is through theirhansen solubility parameters. The aqueous working fluid aforementionedcan be characterized as having a hansen solubility polarity parameter ofgreater than 6 dynes/cm or a hydrogen bonding solubility parametergreater than 15 dynes/cm. Optionally, additives can be added to theaqueous working fluid to further promote soil removal, care of thefabric, whitening or other features. The working fluid and additivescomprise the wash liquor.

The washing additive can be selected from the group consisting of:builders, surfactants, enzymes, bleach activators, bleach catalysts,bleach boosters, bleaches, alkalinity sources, antibacterial agents,colorants, perfumes, pro-perfumes, finishing aids, lime soapdispersants, composition malodor control agents, odor neutralizers,polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agents, crystal growth inhibitors,photobleaches, heavy metal ion sequestrants, anti-tarnishing agents,anti-microbial agents, anti-oxidants, linkers, anti-redeposition agents,electrolytes, ph modifiers, thickeners, abrasives, divalent or trivalentions, metal ion salts, enzyme stabilizers, corrosion inhibitors,diamines or polyamines and/or their alkoxylates, suds stabilizingpolymers, solvents, process aids, fabric softening agents, opticalbrighteners, hydrotropes, suds or foam suppressors, suds or foamboosters, fabric softeners, antistatic agents, dye fixatives, dyeabrasion inhibitors, anti-crocking agents, wrinkle reduction agents,wrinkle resistance agents, soil release polymers, soil repellencyagents, sunscreen agents, anti-fade agents and mixtures thereof.

The wash liquor is preferably a combination of a working fluid andoptionally at least one washing additive. The chamber by its rotationadds mechanical energy 206 to the combination of the working fluid andfabric. The mechanical energy may be of the form of, but is not limitedto, tumbling, agitating, impelling, nutating, counter-rotating the drum,liquid jets that spray fluids thus moving the fabrics, vibrating,oscillating, or combinations thereof. This mechanical energy is one formfor processing the fabric load. Other forms may include adding, mixingand removing the fabric load. The mechanical energy should be addedcontinuously or intermittently for a time ranging from 2-120 minutes,but may be longer depending on the amount of cleaning needed. The washliquor is then removed in step 208. Potential methods for removing thewash liquor include, but are not limited to, centrifugation, liquidextraction, the application of a vacuum, the application of forcedheated air, capillarity, the application of pressurized air, simplyallowing gravity to draw the wash liquor away from the fabric, theapplication of moisture absorbing materials or mixtures thereof.

After removing the wash liquor, the wash liquor is prepared fordisposal, 210. This process may be different than traditional laundryprocesses of today in that this step involves determining the amount ofnon-aqueous contaminants that exist in the liquor make-up anddetermining whether this amount can or should be disposed of down thedrain. In step 212, the contaminants are disposed. The contaminants canbe disposed down the drain or collected in a filter device and thendisposed of periodically. The periodic disposal gives the flexibility ofthe machine not having to be located close to a water source.

A preferred embodiment of such a technique is to add wash liquor to afabric load, processing the fabric load resulting in a second washliquor, measuring the concentration of a non-aqueous fluid (i.e.decamethylcyclopentasiloxane) in the second wash liquor, if theconcentration exceeds a predetermined acceptable level (i.e. 2%) theprocessing the second wash liquor to form a third and optionally fourthwash liquors and then disposing of said wash liquors.

Additional aqueous working fluid can be added as a rinse fluid or as asecond wash step in 214. The working fluid can be accompanied by washingadditives and the wash liquor is then mixed with the fabric load throughadded mechanical energy, 216. The added mechanical energy is similar tothat described above. The wash liquor is removed in 218 and all theremaining steps involving the removal of the working fluid from thefabric load can be accomplished via the aforementioned techniques.

The wash liquor is prepared for disposal in 220 and this can be similarto or different than the preparation technique in step 210 and disposedin 222. The number of rinses can vary and steps 214 through 222 can berepeated as often as necessary.

A drying gas is introduced in step 224 and the working fluid is removedfrom the fabric and routed through a condenser and condensed in step226. The drying gas can be selected from, but is not limited to, thefollowing: air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, other inert gases, andmixtures thereof. The fluid condensed in step 226 is prepared fordisposal in step 228. This step may be similar to or different fromsteps 210 and 220 mentioned above. The contaminants are collected andthen disposed in step 230. The disposal of contaminants could occurtogether if necessary. This embodiment describes a condensing dryingtechnique that would result in a dry fabric load, 232. It should benoted that an open-loop drying system might be utilized where theworking fluid vapor removed from the fabric during the drying process isremoved from the system via ventilation to an external environment. Anopen-loop system is only possible for an aqueous cycle with atraditional dry. Some embodiments may incorporate a condensing,closed-loop as well as open-loop system depending on the working fluidchoice. Open-loop drying in meant to describe a technique which takesthe air from the drum and vents it externally to the environment withoutpassing through a scrubbing technique such as adsorption, absorption orfiltration.

The process described in FIG. 2 begins in a similar fashion to that inFIG. 1. The machine is loaded and the consumer selects an aqueous cyclewith a fast dry, 238. The aqueous working fluid is added, mechanicalenergy is applied, the wash liquor is removed, and the working fluid isprepared for disposal. A non-aqueous working fluid is added in step 240.This non-aqueous fluid is added to remove more of the aqueous workingfluid from the fabric, to provide cleaning of some hydrophobic soilsthat are difficult to remove with aqueous working fluids, and to improvethe drying process and cycle time. The working fluid is selected forhaving miscibility with the aqueous working fluid and beingnon-flammable. The miscibility of the working fluid with the aqueousworking fluid should be less than 20% by weight without the addition ofany solubility enhancers such as temperature, pressure or surfactants,and preferably less than 10%. The non-flammability characteristics aredescribed by the closed cup flammability as defined by the 2000 editionof the national fire protection association. Further, the working fluidshould have a vapor pressure greater than 5 mm hg under standardoperating conditions. Such fluids that are potential non-aqueous workingfluids for the current embodiment include but are not limited tofluorinated solvents, ionic liquids and carbon dioxide. Morespecifically the working fluid is further selected from the groupincluding but not limited to methoxynonafluorobutane,ethoxynonafluorobutane, hfe-7300, or combinations thereof. Hfe-7300 is afluorinated solvent from 3m with a cf₃cf₂cf(och₃)cf(cf₃)₂ structure.

Additives can be coupled with the non-aqueous working fluid to furtherenhance the removal of the aqueous working fluid, the soil removaland/or the reduction of cycle time. These additives can be similar tothose added with the aqueous working fluid or different. The additivecan be selected from the group consisting of: builders, surfactants,enzymes, bleach activators, bleach catalysts, bleach boosters, bleaches,alkalinity sources, antibacterial agents, colorants, perfumes,pro-perfumes, finishing aids, lime soap dispersants, composition malodorcontrol agents, odor neutralizers, polymeric dye transfer inhibitingagents, crystal growth inhibitors, photobleaches, heavy metal ionsequestrants, anti-tarnishing agents, anti-microbial agents,anti-oxidants, linkers, anti-redeposition agents, electrolytes, phmodifiers, thickeners, abrasives, divalent or trivalent ions, metal ionsalts, enzyme stabilizers, corrosion inhibitors, diamines or polyaminesand/or their alkoxylates, suds stabilizing polymers, solvents, processaids, fabric softening agents, optical brighteners, hydrotropes, suds orfoam suppressors, suds or foam boosters, fabric softeners, antistaticagents, dye fixatives, dye abrasion inhibitors, anti-crocking agents,wrinkle reduction agents, wrinkle resistance agents, soil releasepolymers, soil repellency agents, sunscreen agents, anti-fade agents,temperature, pressure and mixtures thereof. Mechanical energy may beapplied in the form of, but not limited to, tumbling, agitating,impelling, nutating, counter-rotating the drum, liquid jets that sprayfluids thus moving the fabrics, vibrating, oscillating, or combinationsthereof is added to the drum, 216. The wash liquor is removed from thedrum in step 218. The removed wash liquor is sent to the recoverysystem, 242, which will be described in greater detail later in thespecification.

The addition of the non-aqueous working fluid to the drum can becompleted prior to completing a series of one or more aqueous rinsesteps. The non-aqueous working fluid addition can be completed one ormore times to decrease the aqueous working fluid concentration below aset value or until enough soil has been removed. The longer contact timeand the more the non-aqueous fluid used in the rinse, the lowerconcentration of the remaining non-aqueous fluid. A drying gas is passedover the fabrics in step 224. The drying gas can be selected from, butnot limited to, air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, other inert gases, andmixtures thereof. Optionally, the drying gas can be heated to improvethe removal of the working fluids from the fabric. The drying gascontaining working fluid vapor is then passed over a condenser and theworking fluids are condensed, 226. The condensed fluids are thenseparated in 246 and dry fabric, 232, results when sufficient workingfluid vapor has been removed from the fabric.

A further embodiment is described in FIG. 3. This particular process issimilar to that described in FIG. 2 until the addition of thenon-aqueous working fluid in step 240. This non-aqueous fluid should bemiscible with an aqueous working fluid to greater than at least 0.05%and have a flash point preferably greater than 140° f. as defined by thenational fire protection association. It is preferable that thenon-aqueous working fluid has a surface tension lower than that of theaqueous working fluid. A further characteristic identifying viablenon-aqueous working fluids is hansen solubility dispersion parametersgreater than 12 dynes/cm and a hansen solubility hydrogen bondingparameter greater than 10 dynes/cm. Working fluids that are acceptableas non-aqueous working fluids as mentioned above include but are notlimited to terpenes, halohydrocarbons, glycol ethers, polyols, ethers,esters of glycol ethers, esters of fatty acids and other long chaincarboxylic acids, fatty alcohols and other long chain alcohols,short-chain alcohols, polar aprotic solvents, siloxanes,hydrofluoroethers, dibasic esters, aliphatic hydrocarbons, carbondioxide, ionic liquids, glycol ether acetates, and/or combinationsthereof. Even more preferably, the working fluid is further selectedfrom decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, dodecamethylpentasiloxane,octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, decamethyltetrasiloxane, dipropyleneglycol n-butyl ether (dpnb), dipropylene glycol n-propyl ether (dpnp),dipropylene glycol tertiary-butyl ether (dptb), propylene glycol n-butylether (pnb), propylene glycol n-propyl ether (pnp), tripropylene methylether (tpm), i-propyl myristate, soy clear methyl esters, ethyl hexyllactate, and/or combinations thereof.

At least one washing additive can be added to the non-aqueous workingfluid. This washing additive can be similar or different from thewashing additive added with the aqueous working fluid. The washingadditive can be selected from the group consisting of: builders,surfactants, enzymes, bleach activators, bleach catalysts, bleachboosters, bleaches, alkalinity sources, antibacterial agents, colorants,perfumes, pro-perfumes, finishing aids, lime soap dispersants,composition malodor control agents, odor neutralizers, polymeric dyetransfer inhibiting agents, crystal growth inhibitors, photobleaches,heavy metal ion sequestrants, anti-tarnishing agents, anti-microbialagents, anti-oxidants, linkers, anti-redeposition agents, electrolytes,ph modifiers, thickeners, abrasives, divalent or trivalent ions, metalion salts, enzyme stabilizers, corrosion inhibitors, diamines orpolyamines and/or their alkoxylates, suds stabilizing polymers,solvents, process aids, fabric softening agents, optical brighteners,hydrotropes, suds or foam suppressors, suds or foam boosters, fabricsofteners, antistatic agents, dye fixatives, dye abrasion inhibitors,anti-crocking agents, wrinkle reduction agents, wrinkle resistanceagents, soil release polymers, soil repellency agents, sunscreen agents,anti-fade agents and mixtures thereof.

The next difference between FIGS. 4 and 5 takes place after the washliquor is removed and sent to the recovery system. The addition of thenon-aqueous working fluid can take place once and/or for a timesufficient to lower the concentration of remaining working fluid below aset value. This value is preferably less than 50% by mass of the fabric,more preferably less than 25% and most preferably less than 15%. Anadditional non-aqueous working fluid is added in step 248. Thisnon-aqueous working fluid is added to remove the first non-aqueousworking fluid, to decrease the time needed to remove the remainingworking fluid and aqueous working fluid and to provide a non-flammablefluid as the final fluid. The preferred characteristics of thisnon-aqueous fluid include a surface tension lower than the first twoworking fluids added, a kauri-butanol value less than the kb value ofthe non-aqueous working fluid added in the prior sequence of steps andthe working fluid should be non-flammable. Further, the non-aqueousworking fluid is selected based on being miscible with the non-aqueousworking fluid added during the previous sequence of steps and havinghanson solubility parameters (expressed in dynes per centimeter) withone of the following criteria: a polarity greater than about 3 andhydrogen bonding less than 9; hydrogen bonding less than 13 anddispersion from about 14 to about 17; or hydrogen bonding from about 13to about 19 and dispersion from about 14 to about 22. More specificallythe non-aqueous working fluid will be selected for having the followingproperties: have a viscosity less than the viscosity of the workingfluid and/or a vapor pressure greater than 5 mm hg at standardconditions.

Even more specifically, the non-aqueous working fluid is selected fromthe group consisting of perfluorinated hydrocarbons, decafluoropentane,hydrofluoroethers, methoxynonafluorobutane, ethoxynonafluorobutane,carbon dioxide, ionic liquids, hfe-7300, and/or mixtures thereof. Atleast one washing additive can be added to the second non-aqueous fluid.These additives can be the same or different from those added in any ofthe previous steps. The washing additive can be selected from the groupconsisting of: builders, surfactants, enzymes, bleach activators, bleachcatalysts, bleach boosters, bleaches, alkalinity sources, antibacterialagents, colorants, perfumes, pro-perfumes, finishing aids, lime soapdispersants, composition malodor control agents, odor neutralizers,polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agents, crystal growth inhibitors,photobleaches, heavy metal ion sequestrants, anti-tarnishing agents,anti-microbial agents, anti-oxidants, linkers, anti-redeposition agents,electrolytes, ph modifiers, thickeners, abrasives, divalent or trivalentions, metal ion salts, enzyme stabilizers, corrosion inhibitors,diamines or polyamines and/or their alkoxylates, suds stabilizingpolymers, solvents, process aids, fabric softening agents, opticalbrighteners, hydrotropes, suds or foam suppressors, suds or foamboosters, fabric softeners, antistatic agents, dye fixatives, dyeabrasion inhibitors, anti-crocking agents, wrinkle reduction agents,wrinkle resistance agents, soil release polymers, soil repellencyagents, sunscreen agents, anti-fade agents and mixtures thereof.

Mechanical energy is then added to the system. After a time sufficientto lower the concentration of the first non-aqueous working fluid tolower than 50% by mass of the fabric, more preferably less than 25% andmost preferably less than 15 %, the wash liquor is removed and sent tothe recovery system. The remaining working fluid is removed via a dryinggas. The vapors from the drying gas are condensed and the condensate isseparated in step 250 into mostly aqueous working fluid, the firstnon-aqueous working fluid and the second non-aqueous working fluid.

Laundering fabric with water as the polar working fluid, removing asubstantial portion of the water via centrifugation, contacting thefabric with dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether to provide additionalcleaning of some hydrophobic soils as well as to remove some of thewater that remains in the fabric, removing a substantial portion of thedipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, contacting the fabric withethoxynonafluorobutane to remove a majority of the dipropylene glycoln-butyl ether and remaining water, centrifuging the fabric load, andthen contacting the fabric with heated air to remove the remainingworking fluids is a preferred embodiment. This particular method cantake place in an apparatus designed for both aqueous and non-aqueousworking fluid. In addition, due to the relative compatibility of thedipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, water and ethoxynonafluorobutane, asingle plumbing system could be utilized.

Another preferred method includes laundering fabric with water as thepolar working fluid, removing a substantial portion of the water viacentrifugation, contacting the fabric with decamethylcyclopentasiloxaneto provide additional cleaning of some hydrophobic soils as well as toremove some of the water that remains in the fabric, removing asubstantial portion of the decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, contacting thefabric with ethoxynonafluorobutane to remove a majority of thedecamethylcyclopentasiloxane and remaining water, centrifuging thefabric load, and then contacting the fabric with heated air to removethe remaining working fluids. In this system, due to the relativeincompatibility of decamethylcyclopentasiloxane and water, separateaqueous and non-aqueous plumbing systems should be utilized in anapparatus designed to complete the aforementioned method.

In FIG. 4, the consumer selects a completely non-aqueous cycle, 260. Inthis instance, a non-aqueous working fluid is added, 262, to thecontainer. The non-aqueous working fluid should have a surface tensionless than 35 dynes/cm and preferably be non-flammable. More specificallythe working fluid is selected from terpenes, halohydrocarbons, glycolethers, polyols, ethers, esters of glycol ethers, esters of fatty acidsand other long chain carboxylic acids, fatty alcohols and other longchain alcohols, short-chain alcohols, polar aprotic solvents, siloxanes,glycol ether acetates, hydrofluoroethers, dibasic esters, aliphatichydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, ionic liquids and/or combinations thereof.Even more preferably, the working fluid is further selected fromdecamethylcyclopentasiloxane, dodecamethylpentasiloxane,octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, decamethyltetrasiloxane, dipropyleneglycol n-butyl ether (dpnb), dipropylene glycol n-propyl ether (dpnp),dipropylene glycol tertiary-butyl ether (dptb), propylene glycol n-butylether (pnb), propylene glycol n-propyl ether (pnp), tripropylene methylether (tpm), i-propyl myristate, soy clear methyl esters, ethyl hexyllactate, and/or combinations thereof.

At least one washing additive can be added to the non-aqueous workingfluid. This additive can be similar or different than the additivesmentioned above. The washing additive can be selected from the groupconsisting of: builders, surfactants, enzymes, bleach activators, bleachcatalysts, bleach boosters, bleaches, alkalinity sources, antibacterialagents, colorants, perfumes, pro-perfumes, finishing aids, lime soapdispersants, composition malodor control agents, odor neutralizers,polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agents, crystal growth inhibitors,photobleaches, heavy metal ion sequestrants, anti-tarnishing agents,anti-microbial agents, anti-oxidants, linkers, anti-redeposition agents,electrolytes, ph modifiers, thickeners, abrasives, divalent or trivalentions, metal ion salts, enzyme stabilizers, corrosion inhibitors,diamines or polyamines and/or their alkoxylates, suds stabilizingpolymers, solvents, process aids, fabric softening agents, opticalbrighteners, hydrotropes, suds or foam suppressors, suds or foamboosters, fabric softeners, antistatic agents, dye fixatives, dyeabrasion inhibitors, anti-crocking agents, wrinkle reduction agents,wrinkle resistance agents, soil release polymers, soil repellencyagents, sunscreen agents, anti-fade agents and mixtures thereof.

A similar or different non-aqueous fluid can be added in step 240. Ifthe non-aqueous fluid added in step 260 is flammable, then it ispreferred that the non-aqueous fluid in step 240 is non-flammable. Inaddition to non-flammability, other characteristics ideal for thenon-aqueous fluid include but are not limited to: vapor pressure higherthan the vapor pressure added in step 260, surface tension lower thanthe surface tension of the non-aqueous fluid in step 260 and hansensolubility parameters selected from the following criteria: a polaritygreater than about 3 and hydrogen bonding less than 9; hydrogen bondingless than 13 and dispersion from about 14 to about 17; or hydrogenbonding from about 13 to about 19 and dispersion from about 14 to about22. The only remaining step that differs from FIG. 2 is after condensingthe working fluids, the working fluids are separated in step 266.

In almost every instance, the non-aqueous working fluids are moreexpensive than their aqueous counterparts. Therefore, minimizingnon-aqueous working fluid is essential for apparatuses and methodsinvolving these fluids. One potential method for minimizing fluid usageis through spray rinse or spray wash technology. Spray wash/rinsetechnology works by adding the non-aqueous working fluids while the drumis spinning at a force sufficient to move the fabrics toward the wall ofthe drum. This may occur at a force greater than 1 g. Generally thisforce is at a spinning speed of at least 50-rpm, more preferably greaterthan 100 rpm and most preferably greater than 200 rpm. The time requiredis dependent upon the application but should be greater than 30 secondsand shouldn't exceed 15 minutes. The amount of non-aqueous fluidrequired is to provide sufficient soil removal or sufficient removal ofother working fluids. This amount should be less than 10 liters ofnon-aqueous fluid per kilogram of fabric, more preferably less than 5liters per kilogram of fabric and most preferably less than 2 liters perkilogram of fabric.

FIG. 5 describes an embodiment utilizing a semi-aqueous wash. Theconsumer selects the semi-aqueous wash with fast dry cycle, 270. Next amixed working fluid is added in step 272. The mixed fluid will be aportion of aqueous working fluid as well as non-aqueous working fluid.The purpose of the mixed fluid is to enhance the removal of oily soilwithout limiting the removal of the hydrophilic soil. The mixture can befavored toward aqueous working fluid or non-aqueous working fluid. Thecomposition of aqueous working fluid should range from 0.05% -99.95%while the composition of non-aqueous working fluid should range from0.05-99.95%. The ideal aqueous working fluid for this type of processhas been described above as well as the non-aqueous working fluids bestsuited for this process. The one limitation placed on the non-aqueousfluid is that it should be able to hold at least 0.05% of an aqueousworking fluid. The remaining part of the process is nearly identical toFIG. 4. A non-aqueous working fluid removes the mixed working fluid,followed by removal and drying processes.

FIG. 6 describes an embodiment similar to FIG. 5 in that a mixed workingfluid is utilized to complete a semi-aqueous wash cycle. In this method,a non-aqueous working fluid is used to remove most of the mixed workingfluid while an additional non-aqueous fluid can be added to improve thedrying performance.

FIG. 7 describes another embodiment of the invention. In this case, washliquor is transported from the semi-aqueous process to the recoverysystem in step 300. Step 302 represents a decision on whether anadequate concentration of non-aqueous fluid is present. Mechanisms todetermine the adequate non-aqueous fluid concentration include, but arenot limited to pressure, turbidity, conductivity, infrared, ultrasonic,shaped electromagnetic fields (sef), float sensing, laser deflection,petrotape/chemtape, electric field imaging, capacitive, humidity,non-dispersive infrared, solid state, acoustic wave, metal oxidesemiconductors, ph, ionic strength, oxidation reduction potential,refractive index, and mixtures thereof. One particular embodiment thatcould be utilized is a combination pressure to determine level,turbidity to determine soil concentration and conductivity to determinewater concentration. An algorithm can be designed to estimate thenon-aqueous concentrations from these measurements. The decision in step302 represents a method to potentially dispose of the waste/contaminantsdown the drain. If the non-aqueous fluid concentration exceeds theacceptable disposal limit, then a fluid recovery process, 306, iscompleted. If not, then the wash liquor is flushed in 304. If after onecycle, the concentration of the non-aqueous fluid still is not lowerthan that specified by the decision matrix, additional recovery cyclescan be completed. Concentration limits that may be acceptable depend onthe working fluid choices and the environmental protection association(epa) should set guidelines. Disposing the contaminants is alwayscompleted in an environmentally friendly manner. It is preferred thatthe non-aqueous fluid concentration does not exceed 2% per liter offluid, more preferably less than 1000 g/liter and most preferably lessthan 100 g/liter. These numbers are true if the waste is disposed downthe drain. If the waste will be sent to a filter for landfill disposal,the numbers will change.

FIG. 8 represents a method of drying. The drying cycle is started in400. The humidity of the load is checked in 402. The purpose of checkingthe humidity is to determine the water content in the air stream and thefabric load and using this information to determine moisture content orto control temperature spikes as the water is removed. Methods ofsensing the humidity include but are not limited to conductivity,humidity strips, thermisters, infrared, pressure, refractive index, andmixtures thereof. The non-aqueous fluid concentration is sensed in 404.This is done to understand if non-aqueous vapor is already in the dryinggas stream, to determine the amount of drying time necessary and topotentially help control the temperature in the system. Methods ofsensing the non-aqueous fluid concentration were disclosed above. Thedrum is rotated in step 406. The drum may be rotated clockwise,counter-clockwise and/or a combination of both. The drum may be rotatedat different tumbling speeds and the tumbling speeds can vary as afunction of the dryness of the fabric load. The drying gas is heated instep 408 and forced through and around the fabric load. As the dryingproceeds, the non-aqueous vapor concentration is continuously monitored,410. If the non-aqueous vapor concentration is lower than a set value,then step 412 can take place. Otherwise the drum and drying gas iscontinuously rotating and passing over and through the fabric load. Thenon-aqueous vapor concentration should reach a concentration lower than5% by mass of the fabric load, preferably less than 2% and mostpreferably less than 1%. In traditional aqueous drying process, thedrying process is complete when 4-5% of moisture remains in the fabricload and in some instances less than 8%. In non-aqueous systems, it isnearly imperative to remove all of the non-aqueous vapor from the fabricload. This gives nearly a bone-dry condition. In the traditional dryingprocess, this moisture remaining represents the traditional hand/feelmost consumers expect from their drying process. Step 412 represents adecision of giving the consumer the opportunity to add the traditionalhand/feel to the garment. If the consumer so desires, water vapor may beadded to the drying system. This process occurs by sensing the humidityin step 414. If the moisture content is not within the correct range(preferably 2-8%, more preferably 3-6% and most preferably 4-5%), thenmoisture is added, 416. Once the concentration is reached, the dryingcycle is stopped in 418. It should be noted that a timed-drying cycle isalso possible; however, the consumer will not have access to the fabricload until an acceptable non-aqueous fluid concentration has beenachieved.

As has been mentioned throughout the specification, there are manypotential cycles, 500, that can be utilized by the consumer. FIG. 9represents some of these cycles. Some of the cycle choices are describedbelow but the specification is not meant to describe all the cyclechoices. The consumer can select between an aqueous wash (502),non-aqueous wash (504), refreshing cycle (506) or semi-aqueous wash(518). The refreshing cycle has not been described in thisspecification, but would utilize a non-aqueous working fluid describedabove for less than a 30-minute cycle to remove odors and removewrinkles. With the aqueous wash, the consumer can select a traditionalaqueous dry, 508, which would be the longest cycle time and most energyintensive, a fast dry, 510, with a non-aqueous working fluid asdescribed in FIGS. 2 and 3 or a fast dry with a traditional hand/feel,512, which was described briefly by FIG. 8. When selecting a non-aqueouswash, the consumer can select a fast dry, 514, which represent dryingwith a non-aqueous fluid as described in FIG. 4 or a fast dry withtraditional hand/feel, 516. When selecting a semi-aqueous wash, theconsumer has the options of a fast dry, 520, as represented by FIGS. 5and 6 and with a non-aqueous fluid or fast dry with a traditionalhand/feel, 522.

FIG. 10 shows other embodiments of the invention generally related torecovery. Although not shown, any loop or path may be repeated. Inaddition, it should be recognized that any step might be combined withanother step or omitted entirely. The mixture of wash liquor andcontaminants are introduced to the recovery system in step 600. Thisrecovery process is only defined for non-aqueous fluid containingprocesses. FIG. 10 depicts an embodiments wherein one of the initialsteps in the recovery process is to remove large particulates 602. Asmentioned herein, any mode of large particulate removal is contemplated,including using the coarse lint filter, filtration, and other separationtechniques. Large particulates can be buttons, lint, paper clips, etc.,Such as those having a size of greater than 50 microns. Smallparticulates may be less than 50 microns. A method of particulateremoval may include a dehydration step in the wash chamber by heatingthe fabrics so that any residual water is removed. By doing so, theelectrostatic bond between the dirt and fabric is broken, therebyliberating the dirt. This dirt can then be removed. Other methods ofparticulate removal include but are not limited to vortex separation,flotation, solidification, centrifugation, electrostatic (phoresis),ultrasonic, gas bubbling, high performance liquid chromatography andchemical digestion.

The materials having a low boiling point solvent (i.e. less than 100°c.) are separated and recovered in step 604. Methods for separating thelow boiling point non-aqueous fluids from the wash liquor include, butare not limited to: fractional distillation, temperature reduction,addition of a flocculating agent, adsorption/absorption, liquidextraction through the use of another additive, filtration, gravimetricseparation, osmosis, evaporation, pervaporation, pressure increase, ionexchange resin, chemisorption, single stage distillation, multiple stagedistillation or a combination of the aforementioned steps. The final lowboiling non-aqueous fluid that is recovered and stored for reuse shouldcontain less than 50% by weight impurities including other workingfluids, more preferably less than 25% and most preferably less than 10%.

Dissolved soils include those items that are dissolved in the workingfluid, such as oils, surfactants, detergents, etc. Mechanical andchemical methods or both may remove dissolved soils 606. Mechanicalremoval includes the use of filters or membranes, such asnano-filtration, ultra-filtration and microfiltration, and/or cross flowmembranes. Pervaporation may also be used. Pervaporation is a process inwhich a liquid stream containing two or more components is placed incontact with one side of a non-porous polymeric membrane while a vacuumor gas purge is applied to the other side. The components in the liquidstream sorb into the membrane, permeate through the membrane, andevaporate into the vapor phase (hence the word pervaporate). The vapor,referred to as “the permeate”, is then condensed. Due to differentspecies in the feed mixture having different affinities for the membraneand different diffusion rates through the membrane, a component at lowconcentration in the feed can be highly enriched in the permeate.Further, the permeate composition may differ widely from that of thevapor evolved in a free vapor-liquid equilibrium process. Concentrationfactors range from the single digits to over 1,000, depending on thecompounds, the membrane and process conditions.

Chemical separation may include change of state methods, such astemperature reduction (e.g., freeze distillation), temperature increase,pressure increase, flocculation, ph changes and ion exchange resins.

Other removal methods include electric coalescence, absorption,adsorption, endothermic reactions, temperature stratification, thirdcomponent addition, dielectrophoresis, high performance liquidchromatography, ultrasonic, and thermo-acoustic cooling techniques.

Insoluble soils 608 may include water, enzymes, hydrophilic soils,salts, etc. Items may be initially insoluble but may become soluble (orvice versa) during the wash and recovery processes. For example, addingdissolvers, emulsifiers, soaps, ph shifters, flocculants, etc., Maychange the characteristic of the item. Other methods of insoluble soilremoval include filtration, caking/drying, gravimetric, vortexseparation, distillation, freeze distillation and the like.

The step of concentrating impurities 610 may include any of the abovesteps done that are done to reduce, and thereby purify, the workingfluid recovery. Concentrating impurities may involve the use of multipleseparation techniques or separation additives to assist in reclamation.It may also involve the use of a specific separation technique thatcannot be done until other components are removed.

In some instances, the surfactants may need to be recovered. A potentialmeans for recovering surfactants is through any of the above-mentionedseparation techniques and the use of co₂ and pressure.

As used herein, the sanitization step 612 will include the genericprinciple of attempting to keep the unit relatively clean, sanitary,disinfected, and/or sterile from infectious, pathogenic, pyrogenic, etc.Substances. Potentially harmful substances may reside in the unit due toa prior introduction from the fabrics cleaned, or from any other newsubstance inadvertently added. Because of the desire to retrieve cleanclothes from the unit after the cycles are over, the amount ofcontamination remaining in the clothes ought to be minimized.Accordingly, sanitization may occur due to features inherent in theunit, process steps, or sanitizing agents added. General sanitizationtechniques include: the addition of glutaraldehyde tanning, silver,formaldehyde tanning at acidic ph, propylene oxide or ethylene oxidetreatment, gas plasma sterilization, gamma radiation, electron beam,ultraviolet radiation, peracetic acid sterilization, thermal (heat orcold), chemical (antibiotics, microcides, cations, etc.), And mechanical(acoustic energy, structural disruption, filtration, etc.).

Sanitization can also be achieved by constructing conduits, tanks,pumps, or the like with materials that confer sanitization. For example,these components may be constructed and coated with various chemicals,such as antibiotics, microcides, biocides, enzymes, detergents,oxidizing agents, etc. Coating technology is readily available fromcatheter medical device coating technology. As such, as fluids aremoving through the component, the fluids are in contact with the innersurfaces of the component and the coatings and thereby achievecontact-based sanitization. For tanks, the inner surfaces of tanks maybe provided with the same types of coatings thereby providing longerexposure of the coating to the fluid because of the extended storagetimes. Any coating may also permit elution of a sanitizer into the fluidstream. Drug eluting stent technology may be adapted to permit elutionof a sanitizer, e.g., elution via a parylene coating.

FIG. 11 describes an embodiment of the recovery system. The aqueous andnon-aqueous fluid containing wash liquor is received from the washsystem in 800. The first step is pretreating, 802, the mixture. Thepretreatment step can be a single step or a series of unit operations.The objective of the pretreatment step is to divide the mixture into theaqueous-rich phase, 804, and non-aqueous rich phases, 806, andconcentrate as much of the respective working fluids in their phase.Some unit operations that are applicable as a pretreatment step includebut are not limited to liquid extraction with one or more solutes,temperature shifts, pervaporation, pressure shifts, adsorption,absorption, filtration, flocculation, evaporation, chemisorption,osmosis, ion exchange resins, gravimetric, endothermic/exothermicreactions, or combinations thereof. In the aqueous-rich phase, the nextstep is to remove the non-aqueous fluid, 808, that remains. Methods ofremoving the non-aqueous fluid include but are not limited todistillation (single and multi-stage), filtration, adsorption,absorption, temperature reduction, flocculation, ion exchange resins,chemisorption, endothermic/exothermic reactions, pervaporation, osmosis,gravimetric, pressure shifts, ph shifts, and/or combinations thereof.The aqueous working fluid and contaminants remaining are then preparedfor disposal, 814. The non-aqueous fluid removed in 808 is thensanitized, 810, by methods described above. The non-aqueous fluids arethen stored for reuse, 812.

The non-aqueous fluid-rich phase, 806, are treated in a similar manneras described in FIG. 10. The low boiling point solvents are separated,816, the dissolved soils are removed, 818, the insoluble soils areremoved, 820, the impurities are concentrated, 822, the fluids aresanitized, 824, and the contaminants are diposed, 826 and finally theliquids are stored for reuse, 826. Different configurations are detailedin FIG. 11.

FIG. 12 depicts a plumbing system for an apparatus that is capable ofaqueous and non-aqueous laundering from the aforementioned methods. Theaqueous working fluid is delivered to the system via an aqueous source,900. This aqueous source could be residential water supply lines or froma tank contained within the apparatus. At least one non-aqueous source,902, delivers the non-aqueous working fluid to the system. Thisnon-aqueous source is from tanks, reservoirs, cartridges, etc and suchmaterials of construction should be compatible with the non-aqueousworking fluids. Both the aqueous and non-aqueous sources are plumbedseparately and are directed toward a dispensing chamber, 904. Thisdispensing chamber may house one or more units to dispense additives foreach working fluid identified. After the dispensing chamber, theremaining part of the wash, recirculation and drying loops are singleplumbed conduit lines. From the dispensing chambers, the working fluidsare routed through the drum, 906. Inside the drum, the launderingprocess will be completed and it should be noted that the sump, drainpump, fill-pumps, button traps, valving, etc are including within thescope of the drum finally, after the process is complete, the recoverysystem, 908, reclaims the non-aqueous working fluids and returns theworking fluid to its source and the contaminants removed are thendisposed of in some manner.

It should be understood that lines could be single plumbed conduits andcontain multiple coaxial lines within or a device for cleaning out asubstantial portion of the working fluid to prevent cross contamination.Such lines make it possible for incompatible aqueous and non-aqueousfluids to be utilized within a single line plumbed apparatus.

It should be understood that fabric enhancement chemistries could beadded at any time throughout the process. Some potential chemistriesinclude but are not limited to: fabric softeners, viscosity thinningagents such as cationic surfactants, soil repellency agents, fabricstiffening agents, surface tension reducing agents and anti-staticagents.

In some instances the working fluids are immiscible and the miscibilitygap could be overcome by a change in temperature or the addition of oneor more components.

In any of the aforementioned figures, heating may be supplied at anytime to heat the machine, one or more machine components, the fluids,the fabric, air or a combination thereof.

In general, fabrics have a tendency to be damaged by temperaturesexceeding 60° c. and most inlet air temperatures in traditional dryersmay exceed 175° c. In traditional non-aqueous systems, the workingfluids of choice usually have flashpoints lower than 100° c. In additionto the high flash points, these working fluids have low vapor pressuresand they require higher temperatures for removal from the fabric. Thenational fire protection association regulates the temperatures to whichthese working fluids may be heated to 30° f. below the flash point ofthe solvent.

A non-flammable fluid combined with a flammable fluid increases theflash point of the solvent; thereby, increasing the safety associatedwith the system. The non-flammable, non-aqueous working fluid willvolatilize more quickly creating a non-flammable-rich headspace abovethe working fluid; and this greatly reduces fire and explosion hazardsdue to the wash medium used. While most of the existing codes are setonly for commercial machines, the ability to use this apparatus andmethod in the home can be more easily adapted with the preferred rinsefluid method. The method has the capabilities of mitigating the riskassociated with the use of cleaning with a flammable solvent.

The preferred apparatus for such an operation should contain a myriad ofcomponents and can be modular in nature if need be and has already beendisclosed in patent application Ser. No. 10/971,671 which is includedherein for reference. The apparatus should contain storage containersfor the working fluid(s) as well as rinse fluid(s). The apparatus shouldcontain a drum or container for depositing clothes a means forcontrolling the drum such as a motor, a means for dispensing the workingfluids, washing additives and the likes into the wash chamber, a blowerto move air for drying, a heating means for heating the air, the fluids,the fabrics or the drum, a condensing means to remove the solvent vaporsfrom the air stream, a means to add mechanical energy to the drum, meansfor sensing, a means for recovery and a control means.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus would be constructed in amanner where the size wouldn't require modifications to place the unitwithin the home.

One of the main benefits in addition to drying time that resulted froman aqueous working fluid with a non-aqueous working fluid is low energyconsumption. Aqueous working fluids generally have high heat capacityand hydrogen bond to the fabric load requiring excessive energy to beremoved from the fabric load. On the other hand, non-aqueous workingfluids have lower specific heats, lower heat capacity and don't hydrogenbond to the fabric lower thereby lowering the energy required forremoval from the fabric load.

It should be noted that even though some of the figures show ahorizontal axis fabric care machine, all of the described inventionsabove can be completed in a vertical axis machine, a cabinet apparatus,or any other apparati that can complete fabric cleaning or othersubstrate cleaning apparati such as hard surface cleaners.

In some instances, thermal management may be very effective in such aprocess. The motors turning the drum and operating the pumptraditionally give off heat. This heat may be effectively used inheating the non-aqueous fluid for drying, spinning and/or heating therinse fluid to promote increased cleaning. Additionally, some type ofcooling mechanism is a preferred embodiment to the reclamation systemand this cooling system can be interspersed throughout the product toprovide more energy efficient heating and cooling.

It should also be noted that a machine of this kind would be new to theworld and methods for selling, installing, servicing and marketing wouldneed to be further described. An example would be a method of marketingfabric care material for use in conjunction with a laundry machinecapable of utilizing an aqueous, semi-aqueous and/or non-aqueous workingfluid comprising the steps of: identifying the desired consumerbenefits; selecting a material to respond the consumer benefit; andoptionally, distributing the fabric care material to a vendor. Thefabric care materials can be combined and sold in kits and instructionsfor use can be provided. Selling such a machine may require professionalinstallation and professional servicing as well.

1. A method of laundering a fabric load comprising the steps of: a.Adding a first wash liquor to a fabric load wherein the first washliquor includes an aqueous working fluid; b. Optionally, adding washadditives to said wash liquor c. Processing the fabric load with saidfirst wash liquor to treat the fabric load resulting in a second washliquor; d. Measuring the concentration of at least one non-aqueous fluidin said second wash liquor; e. If concentration of non-aqueous fluidexceeds a predetermined acceptable level, then process the second washliquor to reduce the concentration to below the predetermined acceptablelevel to create a third and fourth wash liquors; and f. Disposing ofsaid third and fourth wash liquors.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein theaqueous working fluid is characterized by having hansen solubilityparameters (expressed in dynes/cm) with one of the following properties:a. A polarity greater than 6; and b. Hydrogen bonding greater than 15.3. The method of claim 1 wherein said processing step comprises addingmechanical energy to provide relative movement between said wash liquorand said fabric load whereby the mechanical energy is selected from thefollowing: tumbling, agitating, impelling, nutating, counter-rotatingthe drum, liquid jets that spray fluids thus moving the fabric,vibration, oscillation, and combinations thereof.
 4. The method of claim1 further comprising prior to said reducing step, the steps of removinga substantial portion of said wash liquor from said fabric load by oneof the following: centrifugation, liquid extraction, capillarity, theapplication of a vacuum, the application of forced heated drying gas,the application of pressurized drying gas, simply allowing gravity todraw the wash liquor from the fabric load, the application of moistureabsorbing materials, the addition of a drying gas, the addition ofheated drying gas, heated extraction, addition of pressure, directcompression, indirect compression, and combinations thereof.
 5. Themethod of claim 1 wherein said at least one non-aqueous fluid isselected from: terpenes, halohydrocarbons, glycol ethers, polyols,ethers, esters of glycol ethers, esters of fatty acids and other longchain carboxylic acids, fatty alcohols and other long chain alcohols,short-chain alcohols, polar aprotic solvents, siloxanes,hydrofluoroethers, dibasic esters, aliphatic hydrocarbons, carbondioxide, glycol ether acetates, ionic liquids, and combinations thereof.6. the method of claim 5 wherein the non-aqueous fluid is furtherselected from the group consisting of, but not limited to:decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, dodecamethylpentasiloxane,octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, decamethyltetrasiloxane, dipropyleneglycol n-butyl ether, dipropylene glycol n-propyl ether, dipropyleneglycol tertiary-butyl ether, propylene glycol n-butyl ether, propyleneglycol n-propyl ether, tripropylene methyl ether,methoxynonafluorobutane, ethoxynonafluorobutane, hfe-7300, carbondioxide, i-propyl myristate, soy clear methyl esters, ethyl hexyllactate, and combinations thereof.
 7. the method of claim 1 wherein saidstep of determining the concentration of at least one non-aqueous fluidis selected from the following techniques: pressure, turbidity,conductivity, humidity, infrared, ultrasonic, shaped electromagneticfields, float sensing, laser deflection, petrotape/chemtape, electricfield imaging, capacitive, non-dispersive infrared, solid state,acoustic wave, metal oxide semiconductors, refractive index, ph, ionicstrength, oxidation reduction potential, and mixtures thereof.
 8. Themethod of claim 1 wherein said predetermined acceptable level ofnon-aqueous working fluid is 2% per liter of wash liquor.
 9. The methodof claim 1 further comprising the step of directing the at least onenon-aqueous fluid through a recovery process which includes at least onefilter.
 10. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of disposing of saidwash liquor(s) is selected from directing the wash liquor(s) to a drainand directing the wash liquor(s) to a filter.
 11. An apparatus forlaundering fabrics comprising: a. A chamber for receiving fabric to belaundered as well as working fluids; b. An aqueous working fluid source;c. A non-aqueous working fluid source; d. Single plumbed conduit lineswherethrough an aqueous, non-aqueous working fluid, and/or mixturesthereof move; and e. A means for separating said aqueous and non-aqueousworking fluids.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the aqueousworking fluid source is a traditional water supply line from theresidence.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein there are more than onenon-aqueous working fluid sources.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 whereinthe non-aqueous working fluids can be selected from the group includingbut not limited to: terpenes, halohydrocarbons, glycol ethers, polyols,ethers, esters of glycol ethers, esters of fatty acids and other longchain carboxylic acids, fatty alcohols and other long chain alcohols,short-chain alcohols, polar aprotic solvents, siloxanes,hydrofluoroethers, dibasic esters, aliphatic hydrocarbons, carbondioxide, ionic liquids, glycol ether acetates, or combinations thereof.15. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the single plumbed conduit linesare compatible with the aqueous and non-aqueous working fluids.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 11 wherein the single plumbed conduit lines include adevice for cleaning out a substantial portion of remaining workingfluids to prevent substantial cross-contamination.
 17. The apparatus ofclaim 11 wherein the single plumbed conduit lines may contain a pair ofcoaxial lines within the conduit line.
 18. The apparatus of claim 11wherein a means for separating includes at least one filter.
 19. Theapparatus of claim 18 wherein a means for separating further includes ameans for collecting contaminants for disposal.
 20. The apparatus ofclaim 18 wherein after separating said non-aqueous working fluid, thenon-aqueous working fluid is returned to the non-aqueous working fluidsource.